Which reason is generally not a valid justification for pursuing an acquisition?

The rationale behind pursuing an acquisition often centers on the strategic benefits it can bring to the acquiring company. Valid justifications typically include enhancing market share, reducing operational costs, and gaining access to new technologies, all of which can significantly contribute to a company's competitive advantage and growth.

Diversification of revenue sources, while it can appear beneficial, is often seen as a less direct justification for an acquisition. The primary focus of most acquisitions tends to be on synergies, efficiencies, and enhancing existing capabilities rather than spreading into new segments simply for the sake of variety. Instead, companies generally aim to either fortify their current market position or innovate within their established domains. Thus, while diversification might be a byproduct of a well-conceived acquisition strategy, it isn’t typically regarded as a core justification in the context of the initial decision-making process.